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Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System

Overview

The GMD employs integrated communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying ballistic missile threats. The GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Our Role

L3Harris supplies the liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that maneuvers the Raytheon-built EKV with the precision needed (often referred to as a “bullet hitting a bullet”) to successfully impact and destroy missile threats.

Alternate Propellant Tank (APT): Next generation design propellant tank for the EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed producibility, material obsolescence, and cost related to the incumbent design.

Alternate Divert Thruster (ADT): Next generation divert thruster (main propulsion) for EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed a platform stability and reliability concern as well as cost.

Key Features

The GBI is a multi-stage, solid fuel booster with an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload that uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats against the United States and its allies.

Latest News

Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik speaks on FOX

Editorial | 01. 13. 2026

L3Harris Chairman and CEO Joins Under Secretary of War in Interview on FOX Business

L3Harris Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik and Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey appeared jointly on FOX Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" on Jan. 13 to discuss the company's first-of-its-kind proposed partnership with the Department of War.

Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik speaks on FOX

Editorial | 01. 13. 2026

L3Harris Chairman and CEO Joins Under Secretary of War in Interview on FOX Business

L3Harris Nexus thumbnail image

Press release | 01. 13. 2026

L3Harris Accelerates ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ with Creation of a New Missile Solutions Company

Aerojet Rocketdyne and Kratos Successfully Hot-fire Zeus 2 Advanced Large Solid Rocket Motor

Press release | 12. 23. 2025

L3Harris Receives Letter of Intent from Kratos Defense for Production of Large Hypersonic Solid Rocket Motors

Aerojet Rocketdyne is the only company that produces both composite-case and steel-case solid rocket motors for the GMLRS. (Photo credit: U.S. Army)

Press release | 12. 10. 2025

L3Harris to Produce Additional Solid Rocket Motors for Precision-Guided Artillery System

L3Harris executives with the Arkansas governor break ground

Press release | 11. 18. 2025

L3Harris Breaks Ground on Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities

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